A Study of the Relationship between Military Service in the Armed Forces and Criminality. Criminal Justice Monograph Vol. III, No. 1.

Tracy, Robert G.; And Others

To determine the effects of military service on subsequent criminal behavior, especially violent crimes, this study compared veteran and non-veteran felons incarcerated at the Texas Department of Corrections. Available programed data on inmates born since 1930 were supplemented by interview and questionnaire data on 200 veterans concerning military experience and offense committed. Although statistically significant differences were discovered in social, criminal history, and institutional characteristics of veteran and non-veteran felons, no important differences were found in the types of crime committed. The hypothesized relationship between military service and specific criminality was rejected. Further research was recommended to evaluate the potential of specialized rehabilitation for the ex-serviceman felon. (BH)